Climbing a Ladder: Employment Mismatch Experiences of Visible Minority, Skilled Immigrants in Canada

Visible minority, skilled immigrants face employment mismatch, a significant labour market barrier in Canada. Using semi-structured interviews, this qualitative study delves into factors contributing to employment mismatch during immigrants' first 15 years in Canada. Study participants identified several factors namely, Canadian work experience as a prerequisite for employment, lack of recognition of education and work experience obtained abroad, guidance provided by settlement agencies, practical considerations for survival, insufficient language skills, and challenges related to gender roles. Consequences of employment mismatch included frustration, anger, discouragement, and embarrassment. To confront employment mismatch, participants implemented strategies: viewing employment mismatch as a steppingstone, obtaining further education, and discovering new careers in Canada. This research contributes to the existing literature by presenting a composite description of participants' thoughts and feelings, revealing how they experienced and interpreted the phenomenon of employment mismatch, while persevering to enter and advance in the labour market.